This text is an abridged version of Stephen Pinker’s book Angels of Our Nature. Why is the level of aggression and violence in society decreasing ”. Only the most valuable thoughts, ideas, cases, examples.
About the book
«This book is about the most important thing that happened in human history.» To start a conversation like that, you have to be very sure of the facts and the point, and Stephen Pinker is sure. Indeed, the most important thing that has happened to us over the millennia is that we have learned to curb violence! For the first time in history, the vast majority of people do not live in constant fear. Human rights apply to all people, not just a select few.
Most of us, Pinker foresees, will immediately resent: on the contrary, right now the danger is greater than ever. Two world wars have demonstrated the human tendency to self-destruction, the latest technologies give him unprecedented weapons, and our death is inevitable. Everything that we see around — property stratification, terrorism, civil wars — is a sign of the imminent end.
These misconceptions can only be refuted by statistics, which Pinker brilliantly does.
Why listen
• Investigated a huge database of wars, genocides, repressions, internecine showdowns and murders for thousands of years. Reliable factual material provides reliable conclusions.
• Traced the evolution of psychology: the development of self-control, «second nature», altruism and cooperation.
• Discusses the fundamental ideas of philosophers seeking ways of pacification and lasting peace.
• Relevant for understanding the current situation and assessing various forecasts.
about the author
Stephen Pinker — cognitive psychologist, linguist, specialist in the evolution of language and consciousness, Harvard professor, member of the National Academy of Sciences. Author of eight popular science books; five of them are devoted to psycholinguistics and brain function; one (The Sense of Style, 2014) is a nonfiction writing guide; two (The Better Angels of Our Nature, 2011 and Enlightment Now, 2018) describe the evolution of human society and consciousness. On the basis of statistical data, the author proves that violence in the modern world is declining. “Long peace” after 1945, the creation of authoritative international organizations, disarmament Stephen Pinker considers part of the process that began in the era of the Enlightenment — a conscious advance towards peace. Contrary to popular beliefs about the inevitability of conflicts, cycles of history that will certainly lead to a new massacre, the author offers a more complex, hopeful and at the same time responsible view of the future.
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